Ruapehu District Council has been strengthening its emergency preparedness in advance of major Government reforms to New Zealand’s emergency management system.

Chief Executive Clive Manley said findings from Government inquiries into recent severe weather events have driven significant legislative change with a new Emergency Management Bill set to replace the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.

Alongside the new Bill the Government is also intending to deliver operational improvements in risk reduction, readiness, response and recovery which align with Council’s increased focus on these areas.

“As the first response in any emergency will always come from local communities the Government is aiming to ensure councils can deliver a consistent minimum standard of emergency management across the country.

A top priority for Council is strengthening the skills and capacity of emergency management staff and the wider community to help build district resilience.

Our aim is to ensure Ruapehu is more resilient, more capable, and better prepared for whatever emergencies come our way,” he said.

Emergency Management Officer Simon Osborne added that recent investments in new technology for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) coupled with on-going staff training are aimed at improving Council’s response capability.

We have implemented the D4H emergency management platform which supports planning, coordination, communication, and reporting during incidents along with interoperability with other councils.

A major focus for Council is also on lifting local capability.

With support from the Civil Defence Emergency Management Resilience Fund, we have run 20 marae-based training events providing NZQA-accredited qualifications to more than 250 participants.

Strengthening Māori skills and resources in this way strengthens the entire emergency response system and benefits all communities,” he said.

Council also hosted King Country Scouts at the Taumarunui Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

“We had 18 cubs and scouts visit us to learn about civil defence and the role of the EOC where they were able to experience operating two-way radios to communicate with the Regional Coordination Centre in Palmerston North.

These initiatives reflect the Government’s emphasis on a “whole-of-society” approach to civil defence preparedness.

By building the skills of our staff and communities, we are making Ruapehu stronger, safer, and better prepared,” he said.

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